6: Tips

Upon arriving to the accommodations, there is a brief amount of time in which to have a ghusl, get changed and possibly have a quick lie down. Kids are usually exhausted at this point, after the hours of travelling, but they quickly regain their energy once they know they no longer have to sit in a moving plane or bus.
Hotel Card 

Example of Hotel card

At each place of abode that you will be staying at, be sure to take a card with the address and phone number and give to each child to keep in a pouch/purse on themselves at all times. Decide on a meeting place, in case you get separated, and in the worst case scenario they can show the hotel card to an attendant and ask for directions.
Historical Background
The group proceeds to take everyone to visit the shrine Imam Ali(as), Hazrath Nuh(as) & Adam(as), who are all buried in one grave. The more historical background you have prepared your children with, as well as yourself, beforehand, the better they will connect with this spiritual experience.  At each stage, it is helpful to explain what is about to happen, what needs to be recited and why.
Meeting Points
Before entering the holy shrine, make sure your children know where to meet inside (for example- meet at this wooden door or under the archway facing the zaari- the more specific the better and actually physically take them to the location) in case you get separated.  This is a very congested area, with many people pushing, pulling and shoving. For small children it can be overwhelming, as they are being knocked around by towering adults from all sides. Their anxious minds can be reassured as you remind them that thousands of angels are guarding and protecting us in gratitude for visiting these holy personalities.
Approaching Zari

When taking your first steps towards the shrine with your child's hand firmly in yours, surrender to the Divine will of Allah by not trying to shove and force yourself towards the zaari. Recite salawat often and you will find yourself naturally pulled at the threshold of one of the most perfect human beings to have ever existed.  If possible, pick your child up so they don't get crushed and so they have more space.
Security 
There are several security check points which are separated by gender, if you are going to the haram with your sons who are older than 8 I would say, make sure you have a male caregiver with them so they can be

sign for females this way

supervised in the male only areas. Older boys will not be allowed to enter the women's side.
When going to the haram, make sure you only take the essentials with you, don't carry purses or bags filled with random things you don't need, they will stop you and check every single pocket-delays things for you and everyone behind you. Take only essentials- I had a passport pouch around my neck with my money- there have been instances where people have been robbed inside the haram, so do be careful how much you carry with you inside- I found the hotel room's quite safe, but its up to your discretion. I also carried my dua books either in my hands or in a sports drawstring bag, which is easy to open and show. Also remember that once inside, there is a tremendous amount of pilgrims and devotees all trying to do the same thing as you-rub your cheeks against the zari and pray 2 rakats under the dome. The more you carry the more of a burden it will be to accomplish this. There are Quran and ziarat books inside the haram, with basic dua. Phones will not be permitted inside- they will ask you to check cameras and phones into amanat (deposit cubicles)
Amanat & Shoes
There are stations positioned before you enter the haram for your shoes. There will be someone to take them (if you are entering with a group of people then group all your shoes together) and they will  hand you a token (put this safely in your passport pouch and zip it) If you plan on leaving before your group or after than get your own token so you can collect your shoes whenever you come out.
Amanat- phones and camera will have to be checked in here (I have heard of no issues with this)- you will also get a token and they will also take your name for extra security. Again- zip this token up safely with you.
Strollers
Strollers will also be checked in near the shoe deposit stalls, they will give you a token, just be sure not to leave any valuables inside your stroller, there is no guarantee that come back and find your stuff. 

3: Preparation

Part 3: Preparations

Having four kids, even one for that matter, requires a fair amount of preparation when travelling to places where there are health hazards and limited access to pharmacies, even when travelling alone. Therefore, you have to be prepared.  I had a pool of contacts, some of whom had been on Ziyarat, with or without kids, and some in the medical field. I made lists of their recommendations and a list of medical supplies I would need.  Be advised, when you ask for advice be weary who you are asking.  I say this with all due respect. I had one older Aunty of mine who had just come back and her list was endless...nebulizer for asthma, 'Have you seen how heavy those are?'  I protested. Flashlight for when the electricity shuts off, 'Really? Will it be turned off all night?' Images of my younger children wailing in the darkness broke my chain of thought as I was jotting down everything she said.  'Okay, what else Aunty?', she mentioned alarm clocks, socks, glucose tablets, mints, socks, change of clothes for every single day, socks, q-tips, and make sure you don't forget the socks, she insisted.
Of course your personality also plays a big part as to what you may or may not want to bring with you. If you like everything to be on hand then by all means buy everything from where you are. If you can manage with the necessities and are willing to search for various general items in Iraq or Iran, that is also a feasible option, but be warned that there is limited time, when you are travelling with a group, to do shopping.  I will insert that there were plenty of people selling boxed socks, the kind you can easily do wudhu in, everywhere, especially Najaf, Iraq.

Here is my finalized list, after having come back:
Med kit:
-Antibiotics (you'll have to get your doctor to prescribe or if you are Hyderabadi, your family)
*One family did not have antibiotics on them for their child and easily were directed to a pharmacy.
-Antibacterial foam or wipes for wounds (neosporin) and also for regular use when the kids have their hands on everything
-Plasters/band aides
-Probiotic capsules (Sustenex) For children they have gummy supplements (I found these invaluable and a necessary protection for the digestive system)
-Pedialyte (Electrolyte for dehydration) and Gatorade powder
-Sunscreen
-ChapStick (a must)

I had the below on hand, but alhumdulillah did not need:
-Ibuprofen for kids (Motrin)
-Tylenol or Paracetamol for kids
-Pepto Bismol
-Saline spray
-Dramamine -For motion sickness
-Anti-Diarrhea capsules
-Thermometer (find out if there is a Doctor travelling with your group, they will probably be carrying this with them)
I had more (like antacid, stool softener, etc) but honestly I don't think you will need, insh'Allah. Worse comes to worse, there will be a pharmacy and you'll have to manage with whatever they have. Just take the necessities.

I would advise you to pack the following toiletries:
-Shampoo/conditioner (the hotels have some but its up to you if you want to use, it won't be Pantene or whatever you're used to)
-Soap- You can manage with the hotel soap but if not then pack your own
-Toilet Paper- My cousin warned me and I did not pay heed. The hotels, all of them, from Iran to Iraq, for some strange reason only will provide less than 1/4 roll then your own your own. You can improvise with the tissue (some version of Kleenex) if you can't be bothered to pack rolls. Outside of the hotel there will be NONE, be warned!
-Squirting bottle for the toilet helps to avoid the pipe in the Asian toilets.
-Sunscreen/Lotion-Depending on when you go, the sun is pretty intense, it can be taxing on the skin, especially for the little ones (pack a hat for them)
-I did not use the Q-Tips often as the hijab protects the ears from dust but for the boys or small girls you may want to pack
-Female Necessities-always be prepared. If you do have any issues with menses, know where you are allowed to enter or not. Do not feel bad or ashamed, Allah has made us the way we are for a reason, and it is natural and normal.  Just because you can not enter under the dome of the shrines does not mean you can not share in having a conversation with our Imams, whether from afar or near, Allah knows your intention and by simply being in that environment and on that sacred land you will feel more than satisfied and appreciative.
An extra pair of glasses or contacts-sometimes trying to get to the zaari can prove quite difficult and glasses can get knocked off and broken.
I was advised to pack my own towels and sheets-Every hotel we went to had towels. I used the sheets in Kerbala as the sheets on the bed kept coming off (I left the ones I brought there)

Bags/Purse: Best not to carry too much on you in Iraq, there are so many security checkpoints where you will get a full body pat down and have each of your bags examined.  I carried a ID pouch around my neck with my money, hotel business card with the address (wherever you stay ask for a hotel card at the front desk)...very important if you get lost, as I did : (
I also kept my dua book/s in my hands so I wouldn't waste time at the security checks. If you do need to carry a bag, I would suggest using one of those sports sacs with the straps and then have only a few things inside which you can quickly open and show.

Suitcases: The smaller the bags the better, the less you take the better. Do not take your best most expensive bags, expect a lot of wear and tear as your bags will be thrown and dropped numerous times. I would also advise to pack an emergency roll on hand bag to keep with you on the flight, that you do not check in. Pack in an extra set of everything and keep your most important things with you, in case your bags get lost or delayed. Anyone taking prescription medications, keep them with you!

Clothing: (Women)

• Abaya/Chador: You will be wearing an Abaya and chador almost everyday. They do have dry cleaning services at the hotel or you can hand wash your clothes (takes some work-and in that case bring a little washing liquid)
• Chador: I borrowed from a gracious friend, you can also have one made or the easiest option is to buy one when you get to Iraq (around $15-25) The Iraqi chador has sleeves, which I found easier to manage with kids, the Irani chador I would recommend with the elastic for behind the head.

This one I found on this US site for $45  http://www.alhannah.com/images/products/ab/397/detail.jpg, that's $25 more than in Iraq.

       You can also wear knee length shirts with trousers and chador or Iraqi abaya on top.

• Scarves- I tried to pack enough for the 2 weeks so I wouldn't have to wash, doesn't have to be black but I would advise against bright reds.
• T shirts/long sleeve t shirts- to wear underneath.
• I wore track suit bottoms under the abaya, and also bought leggings but I found the leggings too hot as they are tighter. I would pack enough to last you a week, then you can wash. Some sisters had jeans but I find them too hot as well.
• Socks- my aunt was right, you need them. They get lost, they get dusty, and they need to be changed everyday. You can buy off the street if need be.

• Underwear- pack enough for however long your staying...too embarrassing to send off for dry cleaning, you could hand wash.

Kids:
(Boys)- I found the boys wearing the dishdasha (thoub) looked the most comfortable. Can be found in Iraq.
They can wear short sleeves and trousers, no shorts obviously.

They sell them here for $25, I'm sure you can find them in Iraq for $10 less

(Girls)- under 5 can wear regular modest clothing. I'd avoid really bright colors and stick with neutrals. Not a big deal though, nothing to get stressed over. I found the Iraqi and Iranians very nice to the little ones.
Don't forget the socks and a hat if not wearing a scarf.
Older girls should wear an abaya and over 9 also a chador...with socks!
Don't forget lots of underwear for them


Shoes-
A lot of people in my group had crocs. Easy to slip on and off and light and comfortable. I personally wore Toms, but found they got very dusty as they're canvas. I'd suggest those ever so fashionable Crocs.

These seemed the most sensible and comfortable.  $31 on Croc website

Stroller- Yes I took one, for my 3 yr old. Invaluable, it's broken now though, after they threw it in and out of the bus, so don't take your Peg Perego!

Nappies-Do not forget them and pack enough for as long as you are staying. I ran out in Iran and had to buy from there, unless there are bigger stores elsewhere, the one I found had nappies from the 1970's, you know the plastic bulky kind. Its still manageable, if necessary, your kid may not be happy though, definitely NOT breathable.